How much of a threat are Montpellier to Arsenal?

Well, on Friday night Arsenal's Champions League Group B opponents suffered a 3-1 defeat at newly promoted Reims which leaves them 16th in 20-club Ligue 1 with only one win from their five games.

It's somewhat typical that they have started so poorly after the glory of their title campaign.

The joy of six: Arsenal will face Montpellier after thrashing Southampton

Why is that?

Founded in 1909, Montpellier have been a bit of a yo-yo club, flirting with relegation and financial troubles throughout their history.

Despite producing talents such as Eric Cantona and Laurent Blanc, it wasn't until 2009, and the appointment of Rene Girard as coach, that they put together a side truly worth gracing Europe.

What can travelling Arsenal fans expect?

The Stade de la Mosson holds 32,900, and whilst Montpellier are not one of France's biggest clubs, the match will likely be a sell-out with a lively atmosphere will greet the visiting players and fans for players and fans. Montpellier is on the south coast, so should provide some nice autumnal sun for the visitors.

What have they won?

Two French Cup triumphs in 1929 and 1990 were rare highlights in an otherwise undistinguished history, but the 2011-12 title success has trumped all prior achievements, all on a modest €2million budget compared to the €100m of rivals Paris Saint-Germain.

What about the gaffer, Girard?

The former tough-tackling, no-nonsense Bordeaux and France midfielder has blended his own playing style with his knowledge from coaching France Under-21s to create a talented team who play an attractive brand of football.

The man in charge: Girard has created a talented team

What are their chances?

Arsenal are expected to comfortably win the group, leaving Montpellier to fight it out for second place. They are likely to fall short of Schalke who look the stronger side on paper, but they are certainly not to be underestimated.

Anyone famous ever played for them?

Along with Cantona and Blanc, Carlos Valderrama, Roger Mila and former Newcastle winger Laurent Robert all played for the club.

Who should we look out for?

Moroccan Younes Belhanda, 22, is the undoubted star, contributing 13 goals and five assists last term in partnership with Arsenal's new boy Olivier Giroud.The young Moroccan has attracted interest from around Europe, striking a lethal partnership with Olivier Giroud as a 'No 10'.

Captain Yapou Manga-Mbwia has been the bedrock of this Montpellier team, putting in stellar performances from the heart of defence, way beyond his tender 23 years. The French International looks poised to add to his solitary cap to date.

French fancy: Giroud is yet to open his account for the Gunners

And finally, ex-Pompey forward John Utaka has impressed in pre-season, and with Giroud departing to the Gunners, extra goal scoring responsibility will be placed on his shoulders when the two sides meet.

What about Giroud, who hasn't really impressed yet?

Despite his slow start for the Gunners, the 6"3 French International striker was untouchable for Montpellier last season, and has left a gaping hole up front for the French side.

Notching 21 goals last campaign, and receiving plaudits from all over Europe, it's surely a matter of settling in for the big Frenchman before he starts to really fire in the Premier League.